A Local on Veterans, From Afghanistan

Picture of a recent foot patrol through the City of Asadabad, Kunar Province Afghanistan. The foot patrol was to get to a secure facility to hold a meeting with a local womans group to hear what thier needs are and determine what we can offer.

I was asked what it means to be a veteran. A veteran is someone who has served in the military giving service to their country. While words of thanks are appreciated, many veterans will tell you it is not necessary. More often than not it was a commitment from the heart for what is believed and not for the gratitude.

Veterans Day is a day for us all to honor and thank military men and women for their service to our country. I sit here this evening after a day of patrols through a valley in Afghanistan, thinking about what it means to me to be a veteran, my solitude broken by 155mm howitzers going off, pounding urgently one after another. Quite clearly I might add. To someone who has not served this means somewhere out there in the darkness there are soldiers who are in contact with enemy forces. Without a doubt in my mind the contact has most likely become too intense and they are calling for fire from the “Big Guns” as a last resort. This enemy was trained and funded by the same groups who took responsibility for the attacks against our Nation in 2001, beheaded  news journalist and are continuing to plan attacks like the Times Square car bomb in May and the explosives headed to Chicago just a few weeks ago. The artillery is momentarily quiet. I think back to the men, woman and personal friends back home in the states that have lost their vision, their limbs and their lives while serving their country in all wars and conflicts, everyone who stood up and took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, these are Veterans.

I’m listening, the night is now silent; this is good, sounds of incoming helicopters could mean wounded are inbound. I am thankful for silence. It is for men and woman who joined the military with an understanding of the dangers in the world and the unwavering dedication to our nation to serve are veterans. It is those men and woman who volunteered to serve so others have a choice. Thank you fellow Veterans, God bless you and keep you safe.

Lawrence McNaul CPT IANG

*Editor’s note. You can keep up with Iowa’s “Dirt Warriors” on their Facebook Page.